Connect Minnesota Names Hoffman Program Manager

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Connect Minnesota announces the hiring of William Hoffman as the nonprofit’s program manager.

Broadband is and will be a key component of Minnesota’s growth and I look forward to building upon what we’ve already begun. Our state must be a leader in broadband access and adoption and Connect Minnesota is a key partner...

St. Paul, Minnesota (PRWEB)August 31, 2011

Connect Minnesota announces the hiring of William Hoffman as the nonprofit’s program manager.

In that role, Hoffman will lead Connect Minnesota’s continuing statewide effort to map broadband availability and increase broadband adoption and use, especially among vulnerable populations. Connect Minnesota’s efforts have been underway since 2008 to bring the economic and quality of life benefits of broadband to all Minnesota residents.

“We know that expanding broadband has a significant economic impact on a state’s residents, and we know Bill’s experience, background, and passion for this mission will be a tremendous asset for the Connect Minnesota program,” said Brian Mefford, CEO of national nonprofit Connected Nation, Connect Minnesota’s parent organization.

Hoffman’s hiring comes on the heels of Governor Mark Dayton’s Executive Order last week establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband. The Task Force is charged with facilitating the expansion of broadband access in Minnesota. Dayton’s stated goal is “border-to-border” high-speed Internet and cell phone access throughout Minnesota.

Prior to joining Connect Minnesota, Hoffman was an independent government and public affairs consultant where he managed legislative and public affairs campaigns for national public policy clients. Hoffman holds a bachelor of arts degree from the Loyola University of New Orleans and a masters of public administration and policy from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh.

As Connect Minnesota’s program manager, Hoffman’s duties will include promoting collaboration between Connect Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, and local, state, and federal policymakers. In addition, Hoffman will identify specific opportunities for increased residential adoption and economic development, especially through relationships in the private and nonprofit sectors.

“I’m excited to be working with Connect Minnesota,” Hoffman said. “Broadband is and will be a key component of Minnesota’s growth and I look forward to building upon what we’ve already begun. Our state must be a leader in broadband access and adoption and Connect Minnesota is a key partner, together with the private sector and state and local governments, working to ensure Minnesota succeeds.”

Hoffman can be contacted at whoffman(at)connectmn(dot)org or (651) 324-2329.

About Connect Minnesota: As a public-private partnership, Connect Minnesota partners with technology-minded businesses, government entities and universities to accelerate technology in the state. The work of Connect Minnesota is made possible by support from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. For more information about what Connect Minnesota is doing to accelerate technology in Minnesota’s communities, visit http://www.connectmn.org.